The basal leaves of Carolina false dandelion can be much like dandelion leaves. They often disappear by flowering time.

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Pyrrhopappus carolinianus

Family:

Asteraceae (daisies, sunflowers)

Description:

Taprooted annual or winter annual (leaves produced one year and flowers the next), with white latex, stems single or few, finely ridged. Flowerheads solitary or rarely paired, terminal, like those of dandelion but bright sulphur yellow; inner florets appear dark-flecked from brownish fused anther bases, which surround the style and stigma. Blooms May–October. Basal leaves either entire or pinnatifid (like dandelion leaves), and often disappear by flowering time. The stem leaves, if present, few, alternate, growing to 6 inches long, lanceolate, oblong, entire, or pinnatifid; toothed, partly clasping, sessile. Fruits in dandelion-like puffball.

Similar species: This is the only Pyrrhopappus in Missouri. Other “false dandelions” include 5 species of Krigia and prairie dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata). Plus there are 2 species of “true dandelions” (genus Taraxacum) in Missouri, including the common dandelion familiar to all.

Native Americans used the plant medicinally and also ate the roots. Wild-edibles enthusiasts eat the greens raw or cooked, much as they would “regular” dandelions. Many consider this a lawn weed to be eradicated, supporting our nation’s multi-billion-dollar lawn-care industry.

Ecosystem connections:

The flowerheads usually open in early morning and close by noon. This matches the foraging behavior of a certain type of bee, which thus prefers this species of flower. By sticking to this species, the bee distributes pollen among the same species, making cross-pollination more efficient.

"Pip, pip, and cheerio!" Many of our most common weeds traveled with European colonists "across the pond" and have done "smashingly well" over here! Like the common dandelion, English plantain should be familiar to every Missourian.

Horse nettle is a native perennial with spiny stems and leaves, white to purplish flowers, and toxic fruits that look like tiny yellow tomatoes. It does well in disturbed habitats, and many people consider it a weed.

The name of this plant refers to the curious leafy appendages that wrap around the stem at the bases of the opposite leaves. A member of the daisy or sunflower family, leaf cup has about 8 white ray florets surrounding yellow disk florets.

Spring branches and streams in the Ozarks are decorated with large colonies of these plants, which can grow like thick green garlands in the water. It has a long history of use as a salad green, and it is cultivated to sell to gourmet cooks. If you collect watercress from the wild, make sure to wash it thoroughly.

Pretty but poisonous, jimsonweed has white goblet-shaped flowers that open around midnight. This native of tropical America was introduced nearly throughout the United States and thrives in disturbed soils.

Regs and Areas

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